This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
Luo Community's Funeral Economy: A Billion-Shilling Industry ¶
Published on September 21, 2019, by Dan Okwiri, the article delves into the intricacies of the Luo community's funeral economy, revealing a staggering Ksh20 billion annual expenditure.
The article begins by describing the author's personal experience with the Luo community's funeral traditions, where music and festivities continue late into the night. The author notes that funerals have become a significant business in the community, with the new trend of youths barricading roads and extorting cash from motorists for funeral events.
According to the author, most of the deaths in the community are bodas operators, who die either in accidents or by suicide. The author cites a social worker's claim that Migori County experiences an average of 9 suicides every month, with most cases involving male youth and boda operators.
The article then explores the economic implications of the funeral industry, estimating that the Luo community spends approximately Ksh20 billion annually on funerals. The author notes that this figure is conservative, assuming only two deaths per year in a family unit of 200 people. The article also highlights the role of WhatsApp groups and M-Pesa in facilitating fundraising for funeral events.
The author also touches on the cultural significance of funerals in the Luo community, noting that the community demands generosity in contributing to funerals, rather than development projects. The article also raises questions about the lack of wedding events and fundraising for weddings in the Luo community, suggesting that this may be due to the high costs associated with marrying multiple wives.
Finally, the article highlights the various economic activities that take place during funerals, including the sale of portrait badges, T-shirts, and suits, as well as the hiring of professional mourners, sound systems, and photographers.
